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In the Loveliest Village on the Plains, a group of Auburn students, faculty, volunteer veterinarians and veterinary technicians is preparing to mobilize for Alabama’s next disaster—wherever it strikes. Auburn’s Veterinary Emergency Response Team (AVERT) is a new program that works alongside traditional emergency response teams to ensure that livestock and companion animals are not overlooked during disaster response.

We spoke with AVERT champion and veterinarian Dr. Chance Armstrong to learn more about the program.

How catastrophe led to the creation of Auburn’s AVERT rescue team

In 2016, Dr. Armstrong was a relatively new member of the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) when the state was devastated by catastrophic flooding in 21 parishes, stranding tens of thousands of people in their homes. Despite his limited disaster response training, Dr. Armstrong joined the rescue effort and saw firsthand what coordinated, mission-driven response efforts could accomplish.

“That experience changed my perspective on the role veterinarians can play in disaster situations. It became clear to me that there was a critical need for organized, well-trained veterinary response teams that could integrate seamlessly with emergency management systems.”
Dr. Chance Armstrong, Associate Clinical Professor of Theriogenology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Following his experiences in Louisiana, Dr. Armstrong—now an Associate Professor at Auburn University—approached Dr. Calvin Johnson, the Dean of Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine, with an idea for a team that could serve the state and support regional partners during disasters.

With support from the College and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, AVERT was born.

This animal rescue team meets a critical need in Alabama

Comprised of Auburn faculty and students as well as veterinarians throughout the Southeast, AVERT is designed to fill several critical gaps in disaster response systems, particularly in how animals are supported during both natural and manmade disasters, including:

working alongside traditional emergency response operations to ensure that animals are not overlooked during disaster response
establishing + supporting pet-inclusive sheltering options for displaced pet owners, allowing families to remain together + reducing emotional distress
providing rapid on-site assessments, emergency care + resource coordination in affected areas
assessing + monitoring specialized operational animals, such as search + rescue canines, during disaster response

Like many professional disaster response organizations, AVERT members undergo a structured and continually evolving training program to integrate seamlessly with other local, state and national response teams. What truly sets AVERT apart, however, is its identity and purpose beyond the structure.

“AVERT is deeply committed to a philosophy of selfless service. Team members are not only trained responders, but also individuals who see their role as a calling to serve their state and nation in times of greatest need. This mindset emphasizes humility, teamwork and a willingness to step into difficult and often emotionally charged situations without hesitation.”
Dr. Chance Armstrong, Associate Clinical Professor of Theriogenology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Here’s what’s next for AVERT at Auburn

With the program in its infancy, Dr. Armstrong’s long-term vision for AVERT is focused on sustainable growth, stronger partnerships, and establishing a reputation as a highly capable and trusted disaster response resource both within Alabama and beyond. To do so, AVERT’s top priorities over the next decade are to:

Build + strengthen relationships with every agency + organization involved in disaster response across the state
Develop a robust, well-trained + geographically distributed volunteer force
Secure the resources, equipment, logistical support systems + organizational framework necessary to support rapid deployment + long-term program stability

“As part of a university-based program, we see ourselves as ambassadors of Auburn’s values: service, leadership and community impact. Our goal is to conduct ourselves in a way that instills pride among alumni, students, faculty and supporters whenever they see AVERT in action, demonstrating that Auburn’s commitment to service extends far beyond the classroom and into the communities we serve during their most critical moments.”
Dr. Chance Armstrong, Associate Clinical Professor of Theriogenology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Click here to learn more about AVERT and how you can help empower its mission.

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